We’re at the mid-point of our time with the 2013 pre-owned Continental GT and everything is going swimmingly, except for two rather important matters.

First, the 5000-mile ‘mileage budget’ agreed with Bentley Birmingham is under strain; we’ve already added 3800 miles to the 21,000 showing when we collected the car.

Second, just about every preconception I had about the GT has been turned on its head. I once thought the GT unfashionably tall against the Astons and Porsches of its price range.

Now, I revel at its businesslike squatness — to the extent that although we’ve agreed to sample the bespoke aftermarket exterior changes Bentley can offer even pre-owned customers, I’m not sure that there’s another look that will outshine the car as it is, with its carbonfibre sills and seven-spoke, 21in alloys.

In the beginning, I reckoned I wouldn’t drive this car much in the city. It’s expensive, it’s relatively wide and you sit low in a high-sided car.

But two things have become apparent: as long as you don’t presume on their goodwill, people appreciate the car and give you space, while the fine control afforded by its controls allows the car to be driven with satisfying precision.

A third concern was over rear accommodation, but with a bit of give and take between front and rear you can carry any kid and most adults in the back, and they report decent seat comfort and tolerable visibility.

My record for an uncomplaining rear traveller so far is 120 miles.

This Bentley has brought feelings of deep contentment, to the extent that I wouldn’t change a hair on its head.